Drawing is a creative activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. If you’re new to drawing or looking to improve your skills, one great place to start is with basic bird drawing. Birds are a popular subject for artists because they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them both fun and challenging to draw.

Whether you’re drawing for fun or trying to improve your artistic abilities, this article will provide you with easy-to-follow steps to create a simple bird drawing. By the end, you will be ready to create stunning bird art pieces that are sure to impress your friends and family. So grab a pencil and some paper, and let’s get started!

Supplies Needed for Drawing a Basic Bird

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of drawing a bird, let’s first make sure we have all the necessary supplies to make our masterpiece. Here are the supplies you’ll need:

  1. Pencil: This is the basic tool for sketching out the initial shape and structure of the bird. A sharpened pencil will help define details and add shading to the drawing.
  2. Paper: Choose a good quality paper that is durable and has a smooth surface. Thick paper is ideal for sketching, as it can hold shading and details well.
  3. Eraser: An eraser is an essential tool for removing mistakes and making corrections during the drawing process.
  4. Ruler: A ruler can be used to ensure the proportions of the bird are accurate.
  5. Compass: A compass is handy for drawing the circular shapes of eyes, nostrils, and other curved details.
  6. Sharpener: Sharpening your pencil is crucial to create neat lines and details in the drawing. A handheld sharpener will suffice.
  7. Reference material: It’s always advisable to have reference material in hand for better accuracy and inspiration. You can use images of birds from books, the internet, or even pictures you’ve personally taken.
  8. Patience and persistence: Drawing a bird, or anything for that matter, requires time and effort. Be patient with yourself and keep at it, even if it feels frustrating.
  9. Enthusiasm: Drawing should be a fun and creative process. The more enthusiasm you bring to the table, the better your drawing will turn out.
  10. Creativity: Don’t be afraid to infuse your own creativity and personality into the drawing. It’s what makes art unique and special.

Now that you have all your supplies in order, let’s get started on drawing a basic bird.

Section 2: Steps on How to Draw a Basic Bird

If you’re interested in learning how to draw a basic bird, we’ve got you covered. In this section, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating a simple bird illustration.

Step 1: Determine the Shape and Pose of Your Bird

Before you start drawing, you need to have an idea of what you want your bird to look like. Decide on the type of bird you want to draw, then sketch its basic shape and pose.

Step 2: Draw the Outline of Your Bird

Now it’s time to start drawing! Using the basic shape you’ve sketched, draw the outline of your bird. Pay attention to the proportions and make sure everything looks balanced.

Step 3: Add Detail to Your Bird’s Beak and Eyes

The beak and eyes are important details that can bring your bird to life. Use small, curved lines to create the beak, then add circles for the eyes. Don’t forget to give your bird some pupils!

Step 4: Sketch the Wings

To create the wings, draw a series of curved lines that extend from the bird’s body. Make sure the wings are proportional to the rest of the bird.

Step 5: Add Feathers to the Wings

Feathers are a key feature of birds, and adding them to your illustration can really make it pop. Use short, curved lines to create the individual feathers on the wings.

Step 6: Draw the Tail

The tail is another important part of a bird’s anatomy. Use a series of curved lines to create the shape of the tail, then add the individual feathers.

Step 7: Sketch the Legs and Feet

Now it’s time to give your bird some legs and feet. Use a combination of curved and straight lines to create the legs, then draw the feet and claws.

Step 8: Add Detail to the Feathers

To make the feathers look more realistic, you can add some texture and shading. Use short, angled lines to create the feather texture, then use shading to add depth and dimension.

Step 9: Erase Any Unwanted Lines

Once you’re happy with your drawing, take a closer look and erase any unwanted lines or shading. This will help your bird look more polished and professional.

Step 10: Color Your Bird

Finally, it’s time to add some color to your bird. Choose the colors you want to use and add them to the different parts of your illustration. This is where you can really let your creativity shine!

By following these 10 steps, you should now be able to create a basic bird illustration. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep experimenting and refining your techniques until you’re happy with the results.

Materials Needed:

Before we jump into the steps of drawing a basic bird, it’s important to know what supplies you’ll need. Here’s a list of materials that will come in handy when creating your masterpiece:

Item Description
Drawing Pad or Sketchbook Choose one that has pages with a good weight and texture so your pencil marks won’t bleed through
Pencils (HB, 2B, 4B, 6B) These are different levels of softness or hardness when it comes to graphite pencils. Using a range of grades will allow you to achieve different shades and textures in your drawing.
Eraser Make sure to have a good quality eraser that will not smudge your artwork
Sharpener To keep your pencil tips sharp and ready to use
Reference Photo or Object Use a photo or object to aid you in drawing your bird. It can be a picture you took or found online, or an actual bird figure or toy

Steps to Draw a Basic Bird:

Now that you have all the necessary materials, let’s dive into the steps to draw a basic bird. Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to creating a lovely feathered friend:

Step 1: Draw the Basic Shape

Start by sketching the basic shape of the bird. Draw a small circle for the head and a larger circle for the body. Connect these two circles with a curved line for the neck. Add a triangle shape for the beak.

Step 2: Sketch the Wings

Draw the wings out from the sides of the bird’s body. Start with the top part of the wing using curved lines. Then add the bottom part using straight lines that taper inward towards the bird’s body.

Step 3: Add Detail to the Body

Using your reference photo or object, add detail to the bird’s body. Look for distinguishing marks like patterns on the feathers or unique shaped wings. Take your time and be patient with this step.

Step 4: Draw the Legs and Feet

Add the legs and feet to your bird. Start by drawing the legs as thin, elongated shapes that rest below the body. Sketch in the shape of the bird’s feet and toes – if the toes are visible in your reference image or object.

Step 5: Shade and Final Details

Now that you’ve drawn out the basic shape of your bird, it’s time to add some final touches. Shade in the different parts of the bird’s body with varying degrees of pressure from your pencils. Look carefully at your reference image or object to capture the shades and textures of your bird. Finally, add in the eyes, beak details, and any other small features that will make your bird unique.

In conclusion, drawing a basic bird is a fun and easy activity that is perfect for both novice and experienced artists. With these simple steps and your necessary materials at hand, you can create a beautiful bird illustration that you’ll be proud to hang on your wall or share with friends.

Happy Drawing!

Thank you for taking the time to learn how to draw a basic bird with us. We hope that you enjoyed this tutorial and that you have gained some confidence in your drawing abilities. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep practicing your bird drawings and other artwork. Don’t forget to visit us again later for more fun and useful tips! Happy drawing and see you soon!